"New Study Finds Zipline\u2019s Drone Deliveries Reduce Maternal Deaths by 56.4%"

" New Study Finds Zipline\u2019s Drone Deliveries Reduce Maternal Deaths by 56.4% \r\n A newly published\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1186\/s12913-025-12479-1?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oa_20250317&utm_content=10.1186%2Fs12913-025-12479-1\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1186\/s12913-025-12479-1?utm_source%3Drct_congratemailt%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Doa_20250317%26utm_content%3D10.1186%252Fs12913-025-12479-1&source=gmail&ust=1744106519782000&usg=AOvVaw16nKgxkiii4aU5FMIjh5g6\">study \u00a0has highlighted the transformative impact of Zipline\u2019s drone delivery system on healthcare in Ghana. In collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the study analysed healthcare data from 191 health facilities in the Ashanti Region, including hospitals, health centres, and Community-based Health Planning Services (CHPS) compounds, between 2017 and 2022. \r\n The findings reveal a direct link between reliable medical supply availability and improved health system utilisation, leading to a 56.4% reduction in maternal deaths at facilities served by Zipline compared to facilities not served by Zipline. By ensuring consistent access to critical medicines and supplies, Zipline\u2019s drone deliveries caused more expectant mothers to seek antenatal care and deliver in health facilities under skilled supervision. \r\n Using a mixed-method approach, GHS and Zipline researchers assessed how drone logistics affect maternal health outcomes, examining changes in healthcare providers\u2019 and patients\u2019 satisfaction, perceived quality of care, and overall experiences with drone logistics. They found that faster, more reliable treatment fostered greater confidence in the health system, driving a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in facility-based deliveries. Simply\u2013\u2013more births now occur under skilled care, reducing complications and improving survival rates. This surge in facility-based childbirths and timely emergency interventions contributed to the significant reduction in maternal mortality observed. \r\n The study also found that the availability of critical medications including blood products, oxytocin, and anti-snake venom improved significantly, reducing stockouts that previously led to unnecessary referrals and delays in emergency care. Before Zipline\u2019s intervention, healthcare facilities in the Ashanti Region faced frequent shortages of essential medicines, delaying emergency treatments and increasing maternal and neonatal complications. By ensuring that medical supplies were consistently stocked, Zipline\u2019s drone delivery system played a crucial role in addressing these persistent challenges. \r\n Both patients and healthcare providers reported significant improvements in healthcare delivery. With better access to essential medicines and supplies, facilities could treat more patients effectively, reducing unnecessary referrals and improving overall care efficiency. Healthcare providers noted that faster, more reliable treatment strengthened emergency response capacity, particularly for obstetric and neonatal cases, and increased patient trust in the system. As a result, more people sought care earlier, reducing complications and the need for urgent hospital transfers. Additionally, reduced transportation costs and time savings for healthcare workers contributed to overall cost efficiencies within the health system. \r\n Ghana\u2019s strategic approach to healthcare logistics has reinforced the resilience of its health supply chains. By integrating drone-enabled medical deliveries nationwide, the government has ensured that critical medicines reach hospitals, health centres, and CHPS compounds within minutes, preventing stockouts, improving health outcomes, and increasing patient confidence in the health system. The study\u2019s findings highlight the country\u2019s commitment to leveraging technology to bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly in remote and underserved communities. \r\n \u201cThese results demonstrate Ghana\u2019s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and delivery through technology and innovation,\u201d said\u00a0 Mrs Susana Nkrumah \u00a0Ghana Health Service (GHS) District Director of Health Services for Sekyere Central. \u201cBy collaborating with partners like Zipline, we are ensuring that all Ghanaians, regardless of their location, receive timely medical assistance.\u201d \r\n The study\u2019s release comes as global supply chain disruptions raise concerns about the availability of essential medical commodities and whether African governments can effectively navigate these challenges. Ghana\u2019s proactive investment in logistics infrastructure, including its partnership with Zipline, has proven to be a strategic decision helping to mitigate disruptions, maintain reliable access to medical supplies, and strengthen public confidence in the healthcare system. \r\n \u201cThe ability to move medical supplies efficiently has never been more important,\u201d said\u00a0 Daniel Kwaku Merki , Head of Zipline Ghana. \u201cBy ensuring essential medicines reach healthcare facilities on time, Zipline continues to support the government in strengthening public confidence in the health system. This ensures citizens trust their access to life-saving preventative care and treatments, despite global supply chain challenges "

"New Study Finds Zipline\u2019s Drone Deliveries Reduce Maternal Deaths by 56.4%"

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